State treasurer Judy Baar Topinka will run for governor, changing her mind and getting in the race only after getting assurances she'll receive massive campaign-funding help, her top aide said today.

Topinka "decided to go for it," said aide Nancy Kimmee.

Just weeks ago, Topinka wasn't going to jump into the crowded Republican primary field, convinced that she would survive but without the millions of dollars needed to mount a viable campaign against Gov. Blagojevich, who faces no Democratic primary opposition.